【3月16日 AFPBB News】Two brands HAENGNAE and natsumi osawa pledged to leap further from the Japanese capital on March 16 after winning Jury's special prize in the physical division of JFW (Japan Fashion Week) NEXT BRAND AWARD 2023.

The award program to support young designers was launched by JAPAN FASHION WEEK ORGANIZATION last year.

Clothes of the two labels were displayed on March 16-18 at the main venue of Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2023 A/W.

HAENGNAE designer anna choi said she regards the biannual event as a place of challenge and an excellent springboard for young designers.

“In the fashion scene of Tokyo, we can see really new things. I myself try to show my collections as an art piece,” the Japanese-born Korean designer said.

“Tokyo Fashion Week fosters newcomers and provides a lot of support to new brands like mine,” said anna choi, who designs with the theme of the free expression of New York, the craftsmanship of Japan and the haute couture techniques of Europe.

“I would like to take on these challenges and expand my brand even further,” she added.

Japanese designer natsumi osawa also said the event offers “a significant moment” for displaying Japanese fashion to the world.

“Eventually, I would like to send my message not only to Tokyo but also to overseas,” said the designer whose band features upcycled clothes and creations inspired by the Japanese “shibori”, or tie-dying, technique.

“First, I would like to present my work here in Tokyo firmly and then grow and go out abroad,” she added. (c)AFPBB News